As biodiversity collapses, climate-related harms intensify, and environmental crimes escalate, there is an urgent need to rethink legal systems for environmental justice. This session brings together legal practitioners, civil society organizations, researchers, and public institutions to explore how law can be a more effective tool in protecting the environment and addressing the complex diversity of actors and methods involved in environmental degradation.

Drawing on concrete case studies this session will showcase of practical, interdisciplinary solutions designed to strengthen environmental protection and public participation in environmental decision-making. The discussion will be framed around the evolving role of legal practitioners in the environmental justice ecosystem, with a focus on three pillars: prevention; sanction; and reparation.

The session will also catalyze dialogue across sectors and borders, encouraging participants to reflect on their role and leverage in advancing environmental justice. By fostering peer learning and cross-disciplinary exchange, the session will highlight how collaborative legal ecosystems can drive systemic change.

Speakers:

Antonio Herman Benjamin, Chief Justice, National High Court of Brazil, Brazil

Robert Cicuto, Delegate of the French National Chamber; President, European Chamber of Judicial Officers

Aurélia Devos, Magistrate, Ministry of Justice, France

Belén Paez, President, Fundación Pachamama 

Olagnika Salam, President, African Affairs Commission, International Union of Notaries

Moderator:

Laurent Marion, Director, Governance Department, Expertise France

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